Total pages in book: 235
Estimated words: 224334 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 1122(@200wpm)___ 897(@250wpm)___ 748(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 224334 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 1122(@200wpm)___ 897(@250wpm)___ 748(@300wpm)
“The designer of this collection wants it to remain exclusive. A fat, veiny dildo is ten a penny.” He smiles. “If you know what I mean.”
Sarah coughs, and I frown. “Why would they limit their supply channels?” It doesn’t make any sense.
“The same reason Dior will not sell in Poundland, Mr. Ward. It’s simply marketing tactics.”
“I feel a catch coming on.”
Niles looks down at his file, fiddling with the edge, and I know what’s coming.
“How old are you?” I ask.
“Twenty-two.”
Jesus. I close my eyes and see me. Young. Reckless. “You’re not our usual demographic, Niles.” But he’s smart. Got his head screwed on. It’s more than I can say for myself at that age. Niles seems . . . stable.
“I realize that.”
“You like the older woman, then,” Sarah pipes in, and I look out the corner of my eye on a smile, seeing the delight in her eyes. Oh, how she will love getting her whip around this boy.
He just smiles. “I handpicked The Manor and presented to the designer. She was impressed.”
“Of course she was.” I toss the file on the desk. “And your father? I’m guessing he doesn’t know about this?”
“I assume members are protected by a confidentiality clause.”
“You assume right.” I cross one leg over the other, observing him quietly, battling with my conscience. I hate being maneuvered. This infant is cocky, something I also dislike. And yet . . . this could be a lucrative deal. And Sarah could possibly be distracted with an additional, younger sub to play with. Should I? “We have the annual anniversary party tomorrow. It would be lovely if you joined us. Get to know the place.”
He nods, cool as can be. “Thank you.”
“There’s one more thing,” Sarah says, getting up and going to a nearby sideboard, collecting a clipboard. “We have giftbags for members at the party.” She smiles sweetly. “A donation will go a long way.”
“I’m sure I can arrange something. We have some fantastic new cock rings launching soon.” Niles stands and collects his bags. “I’ll have the contract drawn up. I assure you, Mr. Ward, your members will be most satisfied with the new collection.”
I stand too, accepting his hand when he offers it. Jesus, I bet he’s tried everything in the collection, the rampant little fucker. “I’ll see you tomorrow.” My phone rings, and I excuse myself, wandering across to my desk as Sarah sees Niles out. “Cathy,” I sing, settling in my chair.
“My boy,” she says. “How I’ve missed you. How are you? How have you been? Have you settled into your new, swanky penthouse? Oh my, I bet it’s a frightful state. I’ll be there without delay to get it in shipshape.”
I smile, but cringe too. Cathy will be elated when she finds out about Ava, but she’ll despair if she finds out about my epic binge and meltdown. Naturally, I’ll do what I can to make sure she doesn’t. “Welcome back, Cathy,” I say. “I have news.”
“Oh?”
“I’ve met someone.” My smile is unstoppable, the sound of those words, that statement, feeling so fucking peculiar. But so fucking right. “Someone really special.”
“Oh my. Oh Jesse. Oh, my boy. I need to sit down. One moment, let me move the telephone across to the table.” There are a few scuffles and knocks, and she’s back on the line. “Tell me everything.”
I cough a little. Not a chance. “Her name’s Ava.”
“Ooh, Ava. And how old is Ava?”
My face bunches. Of all the questions? “She’s a little younger than I am.”
“A little?”
“Yeah, a little.”
“How much younger?”
“Eleven years,” I say over a cough. Twelve on Monday.
Cathy lets out a burst of laughter, and I jump in my chair. “Oh, you little devil, you,” she coos. “You’re a sugar daddy.”
My jaw hits the desk, every inch of me offended. “Seriously, Cathy?” Talk about kicking my ego.
“I’ve always fancied myself a playboy.”
“Behave, will you?” I pull my phone away when another call comes through. It’s John. “Cathy, I’ve got John on the other line.”
“Okay, my boy. I’ll head to your swanky penthouse shortly. Make you some supper.”
“That would be lovely.”
“Unless, of course, your new lady friend likes to cook. I don’t want to step on any toes.”
I smile. “She hates cooking.”
“Wonderful!”
“I’ll call the concierge and tell him to see you up. Ask for Clive, okay?”
“Clive. Yes, dear, I’ll ask for Clive.”
“See you, Cathy.” I hang up and take John’s call, bracing myself for the fireworks.
“How was the meeting?” he asks, and I relax but frown.
“Fine. How was the pickup?”
“Fine.”
“No protest?” I ask, surprised.
“No, I think the girl is starting to accept your boundless craziness.”
I huff. “If I’m crazy, it’s because she sends me crazy. Where are you?”
“On my way.” He hangs up, and I relax back in my chair, chewing my lip, thoughtful. She accepts my boundless craziness. I spin my phone in my hand, my mind spinning with it. Boundless.